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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.